International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Beaten, but not forgotten

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Stand with persecuted Christians

On Nov. 5, the global church will stand together in prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.

There are more than 215 million Christians experiencing severe persecution today. They suffer at the hands of nationalist governments, religious extremists, and even close friends and family — all because they love Jesus.

But God hears their cries. He knows their names and their stories. And He wants to use you to encourage them.

24 hours of prayer

This year, we want to commit to 24 hours of prayer for believers in 12 countries — each experiencing intense persecution. You can participate in one of three ways:

Host an event

Encourage your family and friends to sign up for a two-hour slot to come by your home or church and pray for one country.

Adopt one country

Choose one of the 12 countries and commit to pray for that country during the International Day of Prayer.

Pray for all 12 nations

Set an alarm to remind you to pause every two hours on Nov. 5 to pray for believers in one of these 12 countries.

This International Day of Prayer, will you join us in interceding for the persecuted church?

Persecution at a glance

1 – North Korea

In North Korea, being a Christian is against the law. If a believer is caught expressing his faith or owning a Bible, he will be thrown into prison camps or executed.

2 – Jordan

3 – South Sudan

In addition to political instability and tribal warfare, Christians in South Sudan experience intense persecution from radical Islamic terrorists.

4 – Syria

ISIS has forced thousands of Syrian Christians to flee their homes. They are told to “convert to Islam, pay a tax, or face death.”

5 – China

Christians who worship apart from the government-approved churches of China are subject to discrimination threats, and possibly even arrest.

6 – Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, persecution often comes at the hands of close family and friends. Converts can lose their property rights or even be killed.

7 – India

India is home to many cultures, people groups, and religions. But a hostile political atmosphere is making it difficult for Christians to practice their faith.

8 – Myanmar

Conflict between ethnic and religious groups has made Myanmar one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians.

9 – Iraq

Christians in Iraq have suffered incredible persecution from ISIS, and many have fled. Because of this, some say Christianity in Iraq is on the verge of extinction.

10 – Central African Republic

Violent clashes between Muslim and Christian groups in the Central African Republic make it a volatile place for Christ-followers.

11 – Nepal

Nepali Christians make up less than 2 percent of the population and are frequently targeted by extremist Hindu and Maoist groups.

12 – Nigeria

Boko Haram, the militant Islamic group, continues to terrorize Christians in Nigeria. Millions have been forced to flee their homes for fear of being captured.

Provide Bibles for the persecuted

Persecuted believers need your prayers, but they also need support in other ways. When you provide a Bible to a persecuted Christian in places such as North Korea, India, and Syria, you give hope and encouragement when they need it most.

For $5, you can offer incredible comfort and relief to those who have suffered great trauma.

Stories from the persecuted church

Do you find it difficult to relate to your persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ? It’s strange to think about keeping your faith, your Bible, and your worship a secret from your closest friends and family. But try for a moment. Put yourself in the shoes of a...

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. — Romans 15:4, ESV The pungent aroma of incense floated around the temple. Cymbals clanged and voices...

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. — Romans 8:18, NIV As the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church approaches, we are reminded again to pray for persecuted Christians. Prayer like...

Uganda took in more African refugees in 2016 than the whole of Europe; most were from South Sudan. Many were Christians fleeing persecution. As their displacement drags on, they are feeling discouraged, according to a representative with the U.N. Refugee Agency....

One day. That’s all it took for one woman’s life to change forever. To keep her identity safe, we’ll call her Sascha. Sascha waved goodbye to her husband as he traveled down the path to pick up supplies at the store. When he disappeared from sight, she went back...

When Aya closed her eyes, she could still see the image of her husband being dragged away by soldiers. And when she imagined the torture he endured daily in prison, her spirit was shattered. Aya is a Syrian refugee whose name we’ve changed to keep her safe. She’s a...

Iraq’s intense summer heat is making life unbearable for refugees, especially children. The story I’m about to tell you is tragic and heartbreaking … but I hope it will show you the great need for us to take action. By choosing to act now, your help can save a life....

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